Today is my twenty-first birthday. As I was thinking about it and how this is a “milestone” birthday, I remembered how, for me, each “milestone” birthday has a had a distinct feel to it either before, on, or after.

I never thought I’d actually turn ten and make it to double digits.

Thirteen seemed like a myth, “Me? A teenager”.

Sixteen was intimidating, I could now drive by myself and, in a sense, take my own life into my hands.

The first two months after turning eighteen were the hardest months I’ve gone through.

And today I turn twenty-one. I’m officially “an adult”.

And this is probably, no, definitely the most ready I’ve ever been for a “milestone” birthday. That’s because I am a completely different person than I was three years ago. Over the last three years, I have been stretched, pulled, pushed, and loved by God and those he has placed around me into the person I am today.

Thanks to everyone who has had a role in shaping me into who I am.

I love you all.

d